WRITING YOUR RESEARCH PAPER

ASSIGNMENT- PART 2 - HOW TO WRITE THE REPORT
Bell Ringer
Correct the following sentences

MONDAY, 12/5
A. 1. Edgar Allen Poe was born on January 19 1809.

2. Because Poe’s mother had dyed and his father had deserted the family, he was raised as a foster child.

TUESDAY, 12/6
B. 1. Poes first published work was a book entitled Tamerlane and Other Poems.

2. In 1836, Poe married his cousin, Virginia Clemm.

WEDNESDAY, 12/7
C. 1. Most of Poe’s writing were done between 1837 and 1845.

2. Poe lived in new york city during his most busiest writing years.

THURSDAY, 12/8
D. 1. The death of Poe’s wife in 1847 made him very sad.

2. Poe died in Baltimore MD in 1849, the exact details of his death are unknown.

Goal:
Students will be able to structure, organize and write a research paper using the MLA format
Students will be able to include in-text citations



1. This paper is as much about the process of discovering your word as it is about your research. Follow the outline below:
2. Below you will see the required elements for each selection of research. However, you are not just stating the research. Your paragraphs should flow and use transition. When you approach each source, include
1. Your findings
2. Your thoughts/ reactions ...hint....your EXPLANATIONS
3. How this aspect of the word connects to your overall THESIS STATEMENT

**DO NOT JUST STATE: "As stated in Webster's Dictionary.......______word is defined as"

4. You must include a mixture of direct, partial and paraphrased cited works
5. Be sure to cite within your paper EACH time you use material taken from your sources.


A. Introduction - (Introduce your word and provide and overview, relationship or thoughts about this word)

Body Paragraph #2 (Include the following info)
1. The Unabridged Dictionary
a. Copy the etymology (history and derivation of the word). If there is no history listed use an etymology dictionary. Make note of any previous meanings and how the word developed.
b. Copy its first and/ or most important usage definition of the word. You can copy as many definitions as needed to fully explain your word.
c. Write citation for the Dictionary

Body Paragraph 3. The Thesaurus
a. Look up your word in the Thesaurus.
b. Copy the first group of synonyms and all the bold faced words.
c. Write citation for the Thesaurus

Paragraph #4 (include the following info)

1. The Concordance to the Bible
a. Find a verse that contains your word.
b. Cross reference to an actual Bible
c. Write citation for the Bible.
d. Copy your Bible reference passage completely including Book, Chapter and Verse reference.
e. Explain the meaning of the passage.

Paragraph #5 (include the following info)
1. The Concordance to Shakespeare
a. Find a passage that contains your word.
b. Write down the name of the Play, the Act, Scene, and Line number or line of Poetry.
c. Then go to a copy of the Complete Works of Shakespeare and find your passage.
d. Write down the entire speech which contains your word.
e. Include the speaker’s name and the context in which he is speaking
f. Write a citation for the Complete Works of Shakespeare.

Paragraph #6 (include the following info)
1. Granger’s Index to Poetry
a. Find your word in Granger’s Index and check to see if our library has the Anthology that includes the poem you have found.
b. Find your poem in one of our Poetry Anthologies.
c. Copy the entire poem or stanza from the poem that includes your word.
d. Write down the title, author, and page number of your poem.
e. Explain the poem to your reader.
f. Write a citation for the Poetry Anthology that you use.

Paragraph #7 ( include the following info)
1. The Book of Quotations
a. Find a quotation in the book that uses your word.
b. Copy the entire quote and the page number where you found it.
c. List the name of the person who said or wrote the quotation.Explain where the quote came from- a book, a play, a speech, a poem, etc.
d. Explain the context and meaning of the quote.
e. Write a citation for the particular book where you found the quote

Power Library- Para 8– Student Research Center
a. Find an article that deals with your word.
b. Write down the Author, title, page number, publication, publication volume and issue, data base information, editors.
c. Locate the article, read it, and summarize the article

Paragraphs 9-11. Personal Interviews
a. Interview your grandparents and / or your parents plus one other person
b. Write down what they think your word means OR a story they can personally connect to the word.
c. Write down the full name, date and time

I. Paragraph #12 (concluding remarks)
1. Summarize what you have learned about this word
2. The importance of the “concept” of this intangible word
3. The relevance of this word as it pertains to your life or the lives of others.
4. Restate the meaning from paragraph #1.


II. You are required to turn in a research notebook.

III. Citations: Format - click on this link

or use http://www.noodletools.com/

HOW TO WRITE THE REPORT
1. This paper is as much about the process of discovering your word as it is about your word. Follow the outline below:

a. Introduction: Paragraph #1: Write the most interesting aspect you discovered about your word.

b. Paragraph #2: Tell the story of your search for information about your word. Be sure to describe all of the difficulties you encountered during this search.
(This may be incorporated within each of your body paragraphs for a smoother paper)

c. Body Paragraphs #3-11: Write one paragraph on each source. Each paragraph should contain a summary of your information, and personal comments on what you found. Remember you are reporting on what you learned. All the information you find and include in your paper should be cited and included in full. (poems, definition, etc.)

d. Conclusion: Paragraph #12: Write your response to this project. Overall, what did you learn? Did you like this method? Were you frustrated by some of the search, if so, what particular area? Did you amaze yourself with the reference books?

2. Reference Information Page: Bibliography and Works Cited Pages: Include a page here where you cite the complete sources of all your information (bib). Then use a works cited page for all the information you used in the paper. (works cited)

3. Collage: Create a visual presentation of the word. Using PowerPoint or Microsoft Publisher as your medium, create a collage that can include words, pictures, etc. that expresses the meaning of your word.


CLOSURE: STUDENTS WILL REVIEW THEIR WORK AT THE END OF CLASS

Academic Content Strategies
1.5.11.A Write with a distinctive focus
1.5.11.B Write using well developed content appropriate for the topic
1.5.11.C Write with controlled organization